Wine Recommendation

Domenico Wines

2004 Zinfandel
(Amador County)

Dominick and Gloria Chirichillo’s first foray into the wine business was the highly successful Bacchus Winemaking Club, which gave amateurs on both the East and West Coasts a chance to make their own wine and have it custom labeled. Dominick’s grandfather Domenico had introduced him as a child to home winemaking. Today the Chirichillos produce top flight wines from selected vineyards in Napa Valley, Sonoma, the Central Coast, Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley, Amador County and Lodi.

This Amador County A.O. (Appellation of Origin) Zinfandel is bright and a fairly opaque ruby. With classic notes of boysenberry, tar, root beer, cherry cola, mocha, dust, mineral, vanilla, and roasted meats, it is an excellent representation of the appellation rather than heavy handed winemaking. On the palate it is clean, round, and viscous with opulent layers of brambly, lusciously juicy fruit. It is a seamless wine, with a long, fruity, expressive finish. While immensely enjoyable on its own, this Zin would pair well with grilled swordfish, smoked pork, pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and olives, or marinated and grilled Flap steak (bavette) with a Zinfandel or berry glaze.

The Wine

The Reviewer

Catherine Fallis

Founder and President of Planet Grape LLC, a company committed to bringing the joy of wine, food, and good living into the lives of everyday people, Catherine is creator of the “grape goddess guides to good living,” a series of books, television presentations, seminars, and e-learning programs. The fifth woman in the world to become a Master Sommelier, grape goddess Catherine Fallis is still very much down-to-earth.

The Wine

The Reviewer

Catherine Fallis

Founder and President of Planet Grape LLC, a company committed to bringing the joy of wine, food, and good living into the lives of everyday people, Catherine is creator of the “grape goddess guides to good living,” a series of books, television presentations, seminars, and e-learning programs. The fifth woman in the world to become a Master Sommelier, grape goddess Catherine Fallis is still very much down-to-earth.